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Birth
I was born on April 25, 1851. I was the only child & had a great life in China. It all was looking up for me after I married my life long friend & we had our son, Chen. Only 8 years later & 1 day after my birthday, there was a disease that spread amoung the village changing life completely, My wife, son & parents all died. I was left with noone, only the small toy Chen had given me for my birthday the day before.The small reminders were too much for me, so I decided to leave it all behind, -
Historical Event #1
Once I decided to leave for America I started packing. I got a small bag & filled it with some clothes, odds and ends. I gave all my land & cattle to my neighbor, a small family of 5 who have had a rpugh year. They were all very grateful. I gave Chen's toys to the children, so they would have something to play with, and set off on my adventure. I never looked back again. -
Historical event #2
I made it to Angel Island in 15 days, landing on my birthday. It's been a year since my family died. I've have been in this cell for a rough esitmate of the same 15 days. I have been called for interrogation 4 times. These quarters they keep us in are dark. I hear my name & look up. I go after him, I go through the standard proceedure telling them my situation- financial and other- and my occupation. Lastly, I tell them my name, but I am no longer Bo Wu. In honor of my son, I am now Chen Wu. -
Historical Event #3
It's been a few months since I was admitted into the United States. It has been rough. Jobs were hard to get and many people were not fond of my culture & me being in America. I did small jobs, living in communities called slums. There was human waste, no water and an unpleaseant neighborhood. I am currently working on the railroad,it is a dangerous job but it money. I've moved away from the slum with the money I've made from working on the railroad. Now I live near other chinese immagrants, -
Historical #4
I've been in the United States for some time now, earthquakes were no surprise but this one was different. The building I was in shook hard. I was surprised it didn't topple over. The ground stopped shaking & I left to find my home. When I got there I opened my door and saw all of my possessions on the ground, shattered and broken. I looked down and saw Chen's favorite toy as a child. I picked it up and realized I had to leave. I grabbed a few things and left, just like I did in China. -
Historical Event #5
I look at the huge copper lady in wonderment. How is it I have been in America for a good chunk of my life and never came to Ellis Island? People were everywhere. I see a young red haired boy. He is the age my son would be. A man cries out, he must have a disease. 2 men go to him and drag him away as he sobs. I see the young man who would be my sons’ age and nodded. He nodded back. I turned and walked away, ready to start my life in New York
